System for thermoelectric energy generation

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for generating and delivering electricity and/or hot water for combined heat and power (CHP) using one or more fuels. In many embodiments, the system can be used to provide efficient electrical, heating and cooling utilities to a residential household or group of households. Embodiments of the system can be configured for specific heat flow, while minimizing losses and maximizing total system efficiency. Embodiments also provide for stackable energy generation modules allowing the system to be placed in or nearby a residence to provide power to the residence. Embodiments also provide a control system which can be configured to monitor household electrical usage and dynamically regulate the system to operate at maximum efficiency as well as sell power to an external grid.

1 . An energy generation system, comprising:
 at least one energy generation module for converting thermal energy into electrical energy, the at least one energy generation module comprising an energy converter configured to convert thermal energy into electricity and a controllable heat source thermally coupled to the energy converter; and   wherein the at least one energy generation module is structured to be stackable with other energy generation modules.   
     
     
         2 . The energy generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one energy generation module is configured to generate as much as 1 KW of electrical power. 
     
     
         3 . The energy generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one energy generation module is mounted in a rack. 
     
     
         4 . The energy generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one energy generation module further comprises a DC-to-AC converter electrically coupled to a thermoelectric generator to convert a direct current output from the thermoelectric generator to an alternating current. 
     
     
         5 . The energy generation system of  claim 4 , where the DC-to-AC converter is further configured to step up a voltage of an output signal from the thermoelectric generator to 120 or 220 VAC. 
     
     
         6 . The energy generation system of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one energy generation module includes a combustion chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The energy generation system of  claim 6 , wherein the combustion chamber is configured to combust natural gas. 
     
     
         8 . The energy generation system of  claim 6 , wherein the thermoelectric generator is placed in proximity to the combustion chamber. 
     
     
         9 . The energy generation system of  claim 6 , wherein the thermoelectric generator comprises a jacket of thermoelectric generators at least partially surrounding the combustion chamber. 
     
     
         10 . The energy generation system of  claim 6 , further comprising a fuel inlet to provide fuel to the combustion chamber. 
     
     
         11 . The energy generation system of  claim 10 , wherein the fuel comprises oil, a petroleum-based oil or a plant-based oil. 
     
     
         12 . The energy generation system of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a thermal fluid reservoir thermally coupled to the combustion chamber for transferring heat from the combustion chamber to the thermoelectric generator, the thermal fluid reservoir comprising a heat transfer fluid.   
     
     
         13 . The energy generation system of  claim 12 , wherein the thermal fluid reservoir is directly coupled to the combustion chamber. 
     
     
         14 . The energy generation system of  claim 12 , wherein the thermal fluid reservoir is thermally coupled to the thermoelectric generator by at least one high temperature heat pipe. 
     
     
         15 . The energy generation system of  claim 14 , further comprising a heat spreader positioned between the at least one high temperature heat pipe and the thermoelectric generator to evenly spread heat from the at least one high temperature heat pipe to the thermoelectric generator. 
     
     
         16 . The energy generation system of  claim 12 , wherein the thermal fluid reservoir is directly coupled to a face of the thermoelectric generator. 
     
     
         17 . The energy generation system of  claim 12 , further comprising a heat sink thermally coupled to the thermoelectric generator for dissipating heat from the thermoelectric generator. 
     
     
         18 . The energy generation system of  claim 17 , wherein the combustion chamber, the thermal fluid reservoir, the thermoelectric generator and the heat sink are vertically stacked.